Vietnam Makes a Mark at APEC Gyeongju 2025: A Key Player in Global Supply Chains

GYEONGJU — As part of the lead-up to the 2025 APEC Summit in South Korea, the APEC and Gyeongbuk Investment Forum took place in mid-October in the historic city of Gyeongju. The event was not just a gathering for policymakers and top business leaders; it was a stage for Vietnam to confirm its position as a global investment hub.

A Big-Picture Look at the Major APEC 2025 Investment Forum

On October 16–17, 2025, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), along with Gyeongbuk Province and Gyeongju City, successfully hosted the APEC Gyeongju 2025 Investment Forum. Under the theme “Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” the program drew over 300 international delegates, including government officials and business executives from 21 member economies.

Besides workshops, the forum featured 1-on-1 business meetings and field trips to leading industrial sites, such as the Gyeongju e-Mobility Research Center and POSCO’s facilities. These activities created practical and strategic partnership opportunities for global investors.

Delegates, including representatives from various organizations and businesses, pictured during a photo session at the APEC Gyeongbuk 2025 Investment Forum. The forum aims to boost investment cooperation and economic growth in the region.

Vietnam Shines with the “8M” Model and a Fresh Approach to Attracting FDI

During the talk on “Vietnam Investment Chances in Evolving Global Supply and Production Chains,” Nguyen Ba Hai, Deputy Director of Promocen at VIETRADE’s Trade Promotion Agency, outlined a promising economic outlook. Highlights: 7.09% GDP growth in 2024 and a record $38.2 billion in FDI. 

Vietnam’s appeal lies in its comprehensive 8M framework, which integrates a skilled workforce (Manpower) with abundant resources (Material) and modernized production systems (Machinery). The country is also greening its industrial infrastructure (Mansion), backed by a stable Monetary environment and an expansive consumer Market. Furthermore, professional Management and deep industry experience (Memory) ensure that Vietnam can meet the most rigorous demands of the high-tech and semiconductor sectors.

Nguyen Ba Hai, Deputy Director of the Export Support Center (Promocen), Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), delivers his presentation at the forum.

Citing Party Resolution 50/NQ-TW on selective FDI attraction and Resolution 57-NQ/TW on science and tech breakthroughs, the Vietnamese representative stressed a shift from quantity to quality in investments. Priorities include high-tech projects, semiconductors, green energy, and supporting industries. Promises of synced infrastructure—like the massive Long Thanh Airport and deep-water ports at Cai Mep-Thi Vai—plus special tax breaks for R&D, caught strong interest from Korean businesses. This sparked lively talks about moving smart factories to Vietnam’s key provinces.

Future Outlook: Tech-Driven, Sustainable Collaboration

The forum concluded with a strong impression of Vietnam as a dynamic and innovative partner. Its commitment to improving the business environment and focusing on sustainable growth acts as a “passport” for Vietnam to enter a new era of economic cooperation. For the industrial real estate sector, this is a “golden time” as the demand for high-quality factories that meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards is rising.

AVA Consulting and Vietnamese business representatives networking with global partners at the Vietnam booth during the APEC Gyeongbuk 2025 Investment Forum.

With the strong foundation of the Vietnam-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, AVA Consulting believes that investment into Vietnam will continue to thrive, making the country an irreplaceable link in the global production network.